FunKidsActivities
The Rec Room

The Rec Room

5220 E 65th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

Overview

Category:Indoor Gymnastics
Location:Indianapolis, IN

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

The Rec Room is primarily known for its long-standing, affordable gymnastics and tumbling programs. Many families praise the staff for being patient and excellent teachers, leading to positive experiences for over a decade. However, there is a significant and detailed concern raised by one parent about the owner, Kathy, exhibiting a severe lack of empathy, kindness, and making inappropriate remarks to young children, creating a stark contrast in customer experiences.

Key Highlights

  • Affordable gymnastics and tumbling classes.
  • Many long-term customers, with some families attending for over 13 years, indicating sustained satisfaction.
  • Multiple positive mentions of staff and teachers being 'amazing,' 'patient,' and 'awesome teachers.'
  • Reported as a 'wonderful place for gymnastics and tumbling' that fosters 'learning and fun'.

Standout Features

  • Affordable class pricing, making gymnastics accessible.
  • High praise for the patience and teaching quality of most staff members.
  • Strong sense of community and loyalty from long-term attendees (13+ years).
  • Focus on both learning gymnastics skills and ensuring kids have fun.

Perfect For

Suitable for children as young as 3 years old for classes (e.g., 3-year-old daughter mentioned).
Programs likely cater to a wide age range, as children attend for over 13 years, implying progression from early childhood through potentially teen years.
Infants (7-month-old) are present, but interaction with the owner was a point of concern for this age group.

Ideal For

Families seeking affordable, long-term gymnastics and tumbling instruction.
Children who thrive in structured learning environments with patient teachers (based on majority feedback).
Parents looking for a venue with a strong, established reputation among its long-term customer base.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • Parents considering enrollment, especially for very young or emotionally sensitive children, should strongly consider observing a class or inquiring about the specific instructor's approach.
  • Due to conflicting reports about the owner’s demeanor, parents should assess if the emotional environment provided by the primary instructors aligns with their expectations for their child's well-being.
  • If a positive and nurturing emotional experience is paramount, particularly for young children, investigate specific teacher-child interaction styles before committing.

Things to Consider

  • A detailed complaint about the owner, Kathy, displaying a profound lack of kindness and empathy.
  • Owner Kathy reportedly told a small child he 'didn’t smell good,' which was deemed inappropriate and damaging to self-esteem.
  • Owner Kathy was described as 'outright rude and harsh' and dismissive of children’s tears, stating 'you’re fine, you’re ok.'
  • Owner Kathy allegedly made an inappropriate comment to a 3-year-old about a crying 7-month-old: 'First you were crying, now your brother is crying. You need to stop crying and teach him how to act.'
  • One family described the environment as 'toxic' and lacking respect and care for children.

Price & Value

Classes are consistently described as 'affordable' and 'reasonable prices,' indicating good value for money, although no specific price points are provided. The long-term enrollment of many families suggests that the perceived value is high compared to alternatives.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accommodations for special needs or accessibility features were mentioned in the reviews.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • No information regarding outside food, snacks, or a café was provided in the reviews.

🚗Parking Info

  • No details about parking availability or cost were mentioned in the reviews.

👥Crowd Levels

  • No information about typical crowd levels or peak times was mentioned in the reviews.

🛡️Safety Features

  • No specific safety measures (e.g., staff monitoring, first aid, secure entry) were explicitly mentioned in the reviews.

When to Avoid

  • Parents who prioritize a consistently empathetic, kind, and nurturing emotional environment from all staff, particularly the owner, for their young or sensitive children, due to significant negative feedback.
  • If direct, compassionate interaction from management is a top priority, as specific reported instances of the owner's behavior may be a concern.

Pricing/Package/Events

Events & Schedule

🛡️Safety Policy

  • Provides a fun, safe, non-competitive and caring environment.

📅Booking Policy

  • Class sizes are limited.
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Oct 14, 2025

What People Say

What's Great

  • Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Recent Reviews

T. Michael Fischer

T. Michael Fischer

6 months ago

Avoid this place if you value your child’s well-being. Our experience here was appalling, and we left after only two sessions. Kathy, the owner, showed an alarming lack of kindness and empathy, even going so far as to repeatedly tell a small child that he “didn’t smell good”—completely inappropriate and damaging to a young child’s self-esteem. She was outright rude and harsh toward my son, showing no compassion whatsoever. She brushes off children’s tears with a dismissive, “you’re fine, you’re ok,” disregarding their feelings entirely. When my 7-month-old started crying, Kathy even told my 3-year-old, “First you were crying, now your brother is crying. You need to stop crying and teach him how to act.” This is no way to treat any child. For the sake of your children, avoid this toxic environment. There are far better places where they will be treated with respect and care. Find a safer, healthier option elsewhere. We’re currently loving the experience at Dana Mannix Gymnastics just down the road, there is hope- just not at this place or with Kathy.

Jill Meunier

Jill Meunier

5 months ago

This is a wonderful place for gymnastics and tumbling! We've been going here for years and have nothing but positive things to say. Great staff, reasonable prices, and lots of learning and fun.

Kortni Stout

Kortni Stout

3 months ago

Everyone is amazing! They are very patient with the kids. I recommend the rec room.

MIKEL ROPP

MIKEL ROPP

6 years ago

Our granddaughters have been going to The Rec Room for over 13 years, starting at their previous location. Miss Kathy and her staff are AMAZING PEOPLE and they are awesome teachers!

Shana Level

Shana Level

4 years ago

I'm so glad I made the decision to bring my 3 year old daughter here. The classes are affordable; the teachers are patient.

Contact Information

5220 E 65th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.6
Total Reviews13
Recent Reviews5